Aston Martin has already confirmed it will introduce a plug-in hybrid version of its first SUV, but until then, the DBX will get a mild-hybrid setup this week. Officially teased on Chinese social media platform Weibo (see source link at the bottom), the short clip doesn’t actually show the high-riding model at all since the only things we can see are the words “straight six,” followed by “subtle” and “explosive.”
We won’t have to wait much longer to see the DBX Hybrid as the world premiere will take place on November 13 ahead of a potential public debut at the Auto Guangzhou later this month. Why is the electrified SUV being teased in China? Because it’s an important market for Aston Martin and it also happens to be a country where taxes on vehicles with large-displacement engines are extremely high.
The reason why we are bringing this up is that the DBX has only been offered so far with a twin-turbo, 4.0-liter V8 engine, so an inline-six will make the SUV more affordable not just in terms of the asking price, but also as far as taxes. Since we mentioned the V8, it should be noted Aston Martin borrows the engine from Mercedes, specifically its AMG performance division.
The inline-six is also expected to come from the Affalterbach company and should have a lot in common with the 3.0-liter mild-hybrid system AMG is using in a variety of cars badged with “53.” Take for example the CLS 53 where the straight-six unit benefits from a 48-volt, hybrid-assist setup dubbed “EQ Boost.” The same tech will probably be implemented in the eco-friendly DBX, which should offer similar power figures.
For those unfamiliar with the AMG CLS 53, its combustion engine is good for 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet (520 Newton-meters) of torque while the mild-hybrid setup adds another 21 hp and 184 lb-ft (250 Nm). It remains to be seen whether Aston Martin’s engineers have tweaked the electrified inline-six setup for the DBX or it’s going to be carried over.
We should have a solution to this puzzle tomorrow when the DBX Hybrid is programmed to break cover in China. Logic tells us the Gaydon-based marque will sell the model in other markets from 2022, including the United States and Europe. In the long run, Aston Martin will replace the DB11 and Vantage sports cars with EVs, while a fully electric SUV is also in the works – with all likely arriving after the DBX PHEV.
Source: Aston Martin / Weibo
